ProjectorScreen
Latest
Insert Coin: Sonte smartphone-controlled window film turns opaque in a split second
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Smartphone control of your home is nothing new thanks to the likes of Nest and many, many others -- but automated window coverings have always been a spendy proposition. Now, Sonte is bringing its smartphone-controlled tech onto Kickstarter, giving backers a shot at the high-tech digital shades we saw at CES 2013. It works by going from transparent to opaque in a split second when current is applied, giving you privacy and light control -- or a makeshift projector screen -- at the flip of a switch or via an iOS or Android app. After measuring your windows, you'll be able to purchase the size you need and apply it yourself like a regular window film as shown in the video after the break. Ten square feet or so of the material will run around $184 for a non-WiFi, switch activated piece, while a smartphone-activated strip of the same size will cost $234. So, if you've been looking for electric shades, and are up to the installation challenge, hit the source to pledge.
Researchers show off DLC projector screen viewable in bright lighting conditions
One of the knocks against projectors has always been that they're not able to perform to their fullest unless the room is completely dark, but that may finally change if some researchers from Japan's Tohoku University have their way. They've developed a projector screen based on Diffused Light Control (or DLC), which allows only the light from the projector to be diffused towards those looking at the screen, while all other ambient light is either absorbed or reflected away. Of course, that doesn't mean the screen is quite ready for your home theater or boardroom. As you can see above, the current screen is made up of small panels that leave some noticeable seams, and it apparently still has considerable trouble in direct sunlight, although the researchers are confident both of those problems can eventually be overcome. Head on past the break to check it out on video.
Ask Engadget HD: How do I choose a projector screen?
We know, we know, projectors have been woefully underrepresented here, but this week it's their time to shine. We've fielded more than one question about what projector to buy but this week it's a little different. Our friend Paul already has his beamer, but so far it's only pointed at a nearby wall, and he wants to know how he can make the projector just a little bit better: I recently upgraded from my smallish TV to an Epson Home Cinema 8350 projector, and while watching movies or play some Black Ops looks great shot directly onto one of the walls in my apartment at 100-inches+, I'm wondering what screen should I get to improve the picture even more? I've heard of using special paint as a screen also, so that's an option. Any suggestions? There you have it, we know more than a few of you are living the bigscreen lifestyle courtesy of a nice projector, let us know what you're actually shooting those 1080p images at to get the most accurate and brightest picture possible. Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Tetris played in 3D... on 9000-droplet-per-second liquid projection TV (video)
Sure, we've seen Tetris pop up in unusual places before, but never on a liquid 3DTV. While rows of droplets don't actually create the image here -- it's merely "painted" onto the falling H2O pixels -- computer-controlled solenoid valves can cycle 50-droplet curtains of water at up to 60Hz, making for a video-capable projector screen. See it in action after the break, or hit up the source link for a deep dive into how it works.
New glasses-free 3D tech uses per pixel prisms for zero crosstalk, audience flexibility
Try as manufacturers might, attempts at autostereoscopic (glasses-free) TV have been subpar; existing tech typically makes for messy images due to ghosting, only provides a 3D effect if you're standing in one of a very few predetermined spots (usually 8-10 viewing angles, though we've heard of 64), and reduces display resolution -- all because only some pixels can be seen from each spot. With the occasional exception, it's not terribly impressive. Scientists at the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan are looking to change that. Rather than block light with a parallax barrier, their screen uses a matrix of specially cut prisms to reflect it, reducing ghosting to nil and maintaining display resolution by sending the same image to each viewer. Though there are still a fixed number of viewing zones, the prisms are so tiny that manufacturers can simply add more prisms to each pixel to increase that number -- with 11 prisms per pixel, researchers say such a system could support 100 simultaneous 3D moviegoers. We've no word on whether the tech is affordable or when we'll see it, but we expect it to handily beat cyborg eyeballs to market.
Screen Excellence's Enlightor projection screen is 4k ready and acoustically transparent
Okay, fancy pants with your dedicated front projection setup -- where do you put your L/C/R speakers after your whole front wall of your private screening room is taken up by a screen? With most speakers, pushing the left and right channels to the corners of the room won't do the sound quality any favors, and that's doubly true for any speakers located behind the screen (where you also might want to put your center channel). Well, Screen Excellence's Enlightor 4k screen material is just for you. The screen material is designed to handle resolutions up to 4096x2160 without nasty moire patterns showing up, and it also exhibits a uniform audio response so you can put your speakers right behind it without screwing up the sound.
SI Screens ships Reference Motorized projector screen
Shortly after hearing that SI Screens was shipping its flamboyant Black Diamond projector screen comes word that its Reference Motorized model isn't too far behind. The company sounds totally jazzed to be showcasing said unit at CEDIA 2008, but folks who'd rather not wait for the expo demo can apparently get one on order right now. Each unit sports a curved décor case, ultra quiet motor and a Super Flat rigid horizontal screen tensioning system. Prospective buyers can snag one in sizes ranging from 80- to 160-inches diagonal, with screen format options including 2.35:1, 16:9, and 4:3. Now, if only these things weren't so incredibly pricey...
SI Screens ships Black Diamond projector screen
Are you serious about your projector? No, we mean serious. If so, SI Screens is asking that you place your money where your mouth is with the shipping announcement of its Black Diamond products. Said screens promise the blackest blacks and the whitest whites, though there's no details on whether it does chores when not entertaining guests. Still, for $2,599 (100-inch), it better.
DNP's Supernova Epic Screen now shipping
DNP -- the very same folks that developed the daylight-friendly Supernova Flex Screen -- is all set to begin shipping out its newfangled Supernova Epic Screen. Clearly aimed at high-end home theater enthusiasts, this particular projection screen promises to provide "widescreen reproduction of movies in all aspect ratios displaying superior high-contrast images in 100-percent neutral color." Additionally, the unit's motorized masking system is "fully adjustable from closed to 2.40:1 settings," and it even combats retro-illumination so you don't have to. The Supernova Epic is available in standard sizes up to 156-inches (though custom orders are welcome), and while pricing has yet to be divulged, we're taking that as a sign of unaffordability.[Via AboutProjectors]
